KR20110094415A - Secondary battery pack and connector utilized therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A connector for a battery pack is provided to remove other insulating parts as an insulating coating member is spread to the necessary part and to improve the productivity of the battery pack through simple connection by spot welding. CONSTITUTION: A core pack(10) is such that two or more of unit cells(B1,B2,B3) are electrically connected in parallel and the two or more of unit cells are electrically connected in serial. The connector for the battery pack for electrical contact of the core pack and a protection circuit module(20) comprises a main body which includes electrode connection parts(34,44,54) connected to the electrodes of unit cells, terminal connection parts connected to the terminals(23,24,25) of the protection circuit module and a main body having at least one bent portion; and an insulating coating member.

Description

Battery pack for secondary batteries and connector used therein {Secondary battery pack and connector utilized therein}

The present invention relates to a battery pack for a secondary battery and a connector used therein, and more particularly, to a connector used for series and parallel connection of unit cells and a battery pack for a secondary battery assembled using such connectors.

Recently, with the development of technology and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries is also rapidly increasing. Among them, lithium (ion / polymer) secondary batteries have high energy density, high operating voltage, and excellent storage and life characteristics. It is widely used as an energy source for various electronic products as well as devices.

However, since various combustible materials are built in the secondary battery, there is a risk of overheating, explosion, etc. due to overcharge, overcurrent, and other physical external shocks. Therefore, in the secondary battery, for example, safety devices such as PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient), Protection Circuit Module (PCM), and the like are connected to the battery cell to effectively control abnormal conditions such as overcharge and overcurrent. It is configured to

The secondary battery may be used in the form of a single battery cell, or in the form of a battery module in which a plurality of unit batteries are electrically connected, depending on the type of external device in which the secondary battery is used. For example, a small device such as a mobile phone can operate for a predetermined time with the output and capacity of one battery cell, while a medium size such as a notebook computer, a portable DVD, a small PC, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, etc. Or large devices require the use of battery modules due to power and capacity issues.

The battery module typically completes a 'soft pack' in which a plurality of unit cells are connected to a 'core pack' electrically connected in series and / or in parallel to a protection circuit, and packs the 'soft pack' into a hard case. It is a structure. In the case of using a square or pouch type battery as the unit cells, the unit cells are stacked by connecting the wide side surfaces of the unit cells, and the electrode terminals are connected by a connection member such as a bus bar. Therefore, in the case of manufacturing a three-dimensional battery module (battery pack) having a hexahedral structure, a square or pouch type battery is advantageous as a unit cell.

On the other hand, cylindrical batteries generally have higher capacitance than rectangular and pouch type batteries, but due to the external characteristics of the cylindrical batteries, it is difficult to arrange the laminated structure as described above. However, cylindrical cells, rather than square or pouch type, have structural advantages when the shape of the battery module is a linear or plate-like structure as a whole.

Therefore, in the case of a notebook computer, a portable DVD, a small PC, etc., a core pack in which a plurality of cylindrical batteries are connected in parallel and in series is used in the manufacture of a battery module (battery pack). As such a core pack, the linear structure of 2P (parallel) -3S (serial), the plate-like structure of 2P-3S, the linear structure of 2P-4S, the plate-like structure of 2P-4S, etc. are used, for example.

A parallel connection structure is achieved by arranging two or more cylindrical batteries adjacent in their lateral direction with electrode terminals arranged in the same direction, and welding them to the connecting member. Such parallel cylindrical cells are also referred to as "banks".

In series connection structure, two or more cylindrical cells are arranged in a lateral direction with two or more cylindrical cells arranged in a long manner such that electrode terminals of opposite polarities are continuous or arranged in an opposite direction. This is achieved by arranging adjacently to the side and welding with the connecting member. In the electrical connection of such cylindrical batteries, thin plate-like connecting members such as nickel plates are generally used. Regarding the battery pack according to the related art as described above, a method of manufacturing the same, and a connection member (connector) for connecting unit cells of the battery pack, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2007-0057346, 10-2008-0015156 No. 10-2009-0118197, and 10-2007-0081545.

However, in the above-mentioned prior arts, the process of welding a plate-shaped connecting member such as, for example, a metal plate to the electrode terminals of a plurality of cylindrical batteries is a very complicated and sophisticated work process due to the structural characteristics of the cylindrical batteries, which is a long time. need. In particular, every time the structure of the core pack is changed, a metal plate having a new structure corresponding thereto is required, and as a result, a process for electrical connection of the electrode terminals has to be changed.

On the other hand, each unit cell is connected to the protection circuit module through the positive and negative wires and FPCB connected to the metal plate, the electrical connection of the protective circuit module to the metal plate is generally performed by soldering. However, in the soldering process, the solder paste is placed on the metal plate and heated to connect the connection parts of the protection circuit module while the solder paste is molten. When the metal plate has a smooth surface, the molten solder paste The so-called 'solder eye' phenomenon, which flows out of the plate, may occur, and when the molten solder paste reaches the surface of the battery, a short circuit or the like may be seriously impaired.

In general, a positive terminal protrudes from one end of the cylindrical battery, and a negative terminal is formed at a substantial portion of the outer surface insulated from the cylindrical terminal. Therefore, in order to configure a conventional battery pack, when connecting the unit cells of the side-by-side arrangement, that is, the negative terminals of the banks in parallel with each other, an insulating spacer or an insulating sheet is disposed on the top of the bank so that only the positive terminals are exposed. You must install it. Therefore, the conventional battery pack has a problem that the costs associated with such insulating sheets or spacers and their assembly process is increased.

On the other hand, the conventional battery pack is associated with the manufacturing cost of the metal plate, for example, because it involves a separate process for attaching the insulating tape to the required position of the core pack to prevent the contacts of the unit cell case There is a problem that the rise of and the complexity of the assembly process.

Korean Laid-Open Patent No. 10-2007-0057346 Korean Laid-Open Patent No. 10-2008-0015156 Korean Laid-Open Patent No. 10-2009-0118197 Korean Laid-Open Patent No. 10-2007-0081545

The present invention has been conceived to solve the above problems and has the following object.

First, the metallic plate used for the connection of the unit cells of the core pack and the connection of the core pack and the protection circuit module has a simple structure and an insulating coating member (eg, PI coating agent) is applied to a required portion to remove other conventional insulating components. Its purpose is to provide a connector with an improved structure.

Second, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery pack in which productivity can be increased by simply connecting the connectors having the above-described insulating coating member by spot welding to connect the conventional metal plate, wire or FPCB by soldering.

In general, the terms 'core pack' and 'soft pack' tend to be used interchangeably in the industry, but the term 'core pack' refers to a configuration in which unit cells are electrically connected in series and in parallel. The configuration in which the protection circuit module is electrically connected to the core pack is referred to as a 'soft pack'. Therefore, the 'battery pack' of course means a structure in which the 'soft pack' can be packed by an external case and used as a power source for a necessary device. In addition, according to the prior art, although the separate components for constituting the core pack and the components for constituting the soft pack are separately provided and assembled, the battery according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention as described below. The pack should be noted that such components may be implemented by connectors of a single structure in which functions are integrated.

In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack connector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is electrically connected in parallel between two or more unit cells, and electrically connected in series between two or more unit cells. A pack and a connector for a battery pack for electrical connection between the unit cells and the protection circuit module, comprising: an electrode connection portion that can be connected to electrodes of each unit cell, a terminal connection portion that can be connected to terminals of the protection circuit module, And a body having at least one bend; And an insulation coating member coated on the main body except for the electrode connection part and the terminal connection part.

Preferably, the body is made of nickel.

Preferably, the insulating coating member includes a polyimide (PI) coating layer.

Preferably, the electrode connections and the terminal connections are spot welded to the electrodes and the terminals, respectively.

Preferably, the electrode connections have slits for spot welding.

Preferably, the unit cell is a cylindrical cell.

Preferably, the bent portion includes a pair of grooves formed in the width direction on both side surfaces of the main body.

Preferably, the connector includes: a pair of first connectors that may be connected between both end electrodes of the core pack and the terminals of the protection circuit module, overlapping connection electrodes of the unit cells, and terminals of the protection circuit module. Any one of a group consisting of a second connector and a third connector that can be connected between.

Advantageously, each said first connector comprises: an extension extending from one end bank of said core pack to a center in its longitudinal direction; The electrode connection part is formed at one end of the extension part and the terminal connection part is formed at the other end; The bent portion is formed near the electrode connection portion.

Preferably, the insulating coating member is formed only in the extension portion.

Preferably, the second connector comprises: a first plate having a central bent portion at the center to form the electrode connection portion and having a plurality of spot welding points spaced apart from each other; And a second plate extending from one end of the first plate, the terminal connection part being provided at an end thereof, and a side bent part formed near the first plate.

Preferably, the insulating coating member is formed between the spot welding points and the side bent portion.

Preferably, the third connector comprises: a third plate having a central bent portion in the center thereof and having a plurality of spot welding points spaced apart from each other to form the electrode connection portion; And a fourth plate extending from the third plate in the vicinity of the central bent portion, the terminal connection part being provided at an end thereof, and a second side bent part formed in the vicinity of the third plate.

Preferably, the insulating coating member is formed between the spot welding points and the second side bent portion.

A preferred battery pack of the present invention for achieving the above object is a core pack electrically connected in parallel between two or more unit cells, and electrically connected in series between two or more unit cells; A main body having an electrode connecting portion that can be connected to the electrodes of each unit cell to electrically connect the unit cells and the protection circuit module, a terminal connection portion that can be connected to the terminals of the protection circuit module, and at least one bent portion And a connector including an insulation coating member coated on the main body except for the electrode connection part and the terminal connection part.

The battery pack and the connector according to the present invention have the following effects.

First, an insulating coating member (PI coating) is applied to the main part of the connection member so as to eliminate the use of internal insulating tapes and spacer pads interposed between banks and replace their functions. By using) coated connectors, the components can be simplified, material costs can be reduced, and the process can be completed quickly.

Second, 'PI-coated' metal plate-type connectors can be easily assembled by spot welding between banks and protective circuit modules, thus eliminating soldering operations (including 'pre-work (soldering)') according to the prior art. It can be eliminated, which can significantly reduce the labor.

Third, the core pack can be standardized and standardized by the above-described process simplification and component simplification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings attached to this specification are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the present invention serve to further understand the technical spirit of the present invention, the present invention has been described in the drawings. It should not be construed as limited to.
1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating any one first connector illustrated in FIG. 1.
3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the second connector illustrated in FIG. 1.
4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the second connector of FIG. 1.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the assembly process of the core pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a perspective view of the combination of FIG.
7 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating the structure of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a process of bending the core pack of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a second connector and a third connector are welded and primary bent to a core pack including three banks according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the second connector and the third connector shown in FIG. 9 are bent secondly based on the side curved portion and the second side curved portion.
11 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating the structure of FIG. 10.
12 is a perspective view illustrating a process of welding electrode connections of a pair of first connectors to electrodes of both side banks of the core pack of FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a process of bending a terminal connection part based on a bend in a state in which a pair of first connectors are welded to both ends of the core pack of FIG. 12.
14 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating the structure of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a process of welding the core pack of FIG. 13 to a protection circuit module. FIG.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a battery pack and a connector employed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the battery pack 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may be protected from a core pack 10 in which six unit cells B1, B2, and B3 are arranged in a 2P (parallel) -3S (serial) manner. The circuit module 20 has a soft pack electrically connected by four connectors C1, C2 and C3.

In the core pack 10, a pair of unit cells B1, B2, and B3 may be electrically connected in parallel to each other to form a bank, and three banks B1, B2, and B3 may be connected in series. It is a configuration that can be connected. Here, each of the unit cells B1, B2, B3 may be a cylindrical or square battery, but it is preferable to use a cylindrical battery.

The protection circuit module 20 serves as a 'battery management unit (BMU)', and may be configured in various structures such as, for example, a printed circuit board. In addition, according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the terminals 23, 24, 25 connected to the terminal connections 32, 42, 52 of the connectors (C1, C2, C3) as described below are protected The circuit module 20 is configured to be densely located near the center of the longitudinal direction. That is, the terminals 23, 24, and 25 of the protection circuit module 20 have a high voltage terminal 24 and a low voltage terminal 25 side by side at the center for measuring the highest voltage and the lowest voltage of the core pack 10, respectively. The positive electrode terminal 23 and the negative electrode terminal 23 which can be connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the core pack are arranged outside thereof.

Each connector C1, C2, C3 may be connected to the electrodes of each of the unit cells B1, B2, B3 to electrically connect the unit cells B1, B2, B3 and the protection circuit module 20. The electrode connecting portions 34, 44, 54, the terminal connecting portions 32, 42, 52, which may be connected to the terminals 23, 24, 25 of the protective circuit module 20, and the at least one bend 36. 46, 56 having a body.

The body is preferably made of a monolithic thin plate (eg, thickness-about 0.15 mm, width-about 5.0 mm) structure using a nickel alloy plated with pure nickel, nickel top or copper nickel plated. The main body has an insulating coating member 60 coated on substantially all parts of the main body except for the electrode connecting parts 34, 44, and 54 and the terminal connecting parts 32, 42, and 52.

The insulation coating member 60 includes, for example, a coating layer coated on the surface of the main body with a material such as polyimide (PI). The width of the insulating coating member 60 coated on the body is preferably about 7.0mm or less. The insulation coating member 60 may exclude insulation spacers and / or sheets used in the assembly of the core pack according to the prior art. Because the insulating coating member 60 is a positive electrode when the main body of the connectors (C1, C2, C3) is bent by the bent parts (36, 46, 56) so that the unit cells of the lateral arrangement of the core pack are connected in parallel to each other, This is because not only the terminal is exposed separately, but also the function of the conventional insulating spacer and the function of the insulating sheet with the case of the unit cells. Therefore, according to the present invention in which the insulating coating member 60 is integrally implemented in the main body of the connectors C1, C2, and C3, it is possible to reduce the parts cost and assembly time required for the insulating spacer and / or sheet according to the prior art. Can be. On the other hand, the coating material used for the insulating coating member 60 is not limited to polyimide, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to include any insulating material that is now known or will be known in the future.

The electrode connections 34, 44, 54 and the terminal connections 32, 42, 52 of each connector C1, C2, C3 protect the corresponding electrodes of the unit cells B1, B2, B3. Spot welding may be made to the corresponding terminals 23, 24, 25 of the circuit module 20. In addition, each of the electrode connecting portions 34, 44, and 54 has a spot welding slit S (see Figs. 2 to 4). The slit S is for improving the workability of spot welding, and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the shape and size of the slit S may be appropriately changed to increase the welding performance.

The bent portions 36, 46, and 56 formed in the main body include a pair of round groove structures recessed in the width direction on both sides of a predetermined portion of the main body. The bends 36, 46, 56 are intended to facilitate bending of the necessary portions of the connectors C1, C2, C3 to form the core pack. In addition to the above-described round groove structure, the bent parts 36, 46 and 56 may be thin, such as grooves such as triangles and squares, slit structures such as cuts formed in the width direction of the main body, and other structures that facilitate bending of the main body. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that it may comprise any structure that is easy to fold the body together with nickel and an insulating coating member coated thereon.

Battery pack connectors (C1, C2, C3) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be divided into three having a different structure, as described below, these connectors are lateral and longitudinal When configuring the battery pack by connecting the unit cells of the array, it is possible to produce all types of unit cell array configuration by selecting the appropriate cooking. These connectors C1, C2, and C3 can implement standardization and standardization of core packs more simply and more simply. That is, the three connectors C1, C2, and C3 are a pair of first connectors C1 that can be connected to electrodes of both end banks of the assembled core pack 10, and unit cells B1, It is divided into a second connector C2 and a third connector C3 which can be connected between overlapping banks of B2 and B3, respectively. Here, each of the first connectors C1 is disposed between the electrodes of the banks B1 and B3 at both ends of the core pack 10 and the positive terminal 23 or the negative terminal 23 of the protective circuit module 20. And the second connector C2 and the third connector C3 are overlapping connection electrodes of the unit cells B1, B2, and B3 formed in adjacent banks, and the high voltage terminal of the protection circuit module 20. Connect between the 24 or the low voltage terminal 25, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating any one first connector illustrated in FIG. 1.

1 and 2, the first connector C1 extends from one of the end banks B1 and B3 of the core pack 10 to an approximately center in the longitudinal direction of the core pack 10 ( 38, an electrode connection portion 34, 44, 54 is formed at one end of the extension portion 38, and terminal connection portions 32, 42, 52 are formed at the other end thereof. The bent parts 36, 46, and 56 formed in the first connector C1 are formed near the electrode connection parts 34, 44, and 54. Here, the insulating coating member 60 is polyimide coated only on the extension portion 38, and the insulating coating member 60 is not coated on the electrode connecting portions 34, 44, and 54 and the terminal connecting portions 32, 42, and 52. .

The electrode connecting portions 34, 44, 54 of the first connector C1 protrude obliquely at an angle of approximately 135 degrees from one end of the extension 38, and one of the banks present at the end of the assembled core pack 10. Two slits S are formed which can be spot welded to the pair of anodes or to the pair of cathodes, respectively. In addition, the terminal connection portion 32 of the first connector C1 protrudes at an approximately 90 degree angle from the other end of the extension portion 38, and respectively, the positive terminal 23 or the negative terminal (of the protective circuit module 20). 23) is spot welded. The length of the extension 38 of the first connector C1 may be determined according to the number of banks B1, B2, and B3 constituting the core pack 10. That is, the bent portion 36 of the first connector C1 is positioned so that most of the length of the extension portion 38 is parallel to the core pack 10, and the electrode connecting portion 34 is bent and spaced apart from the predetermined gap therebetween. It is formed in a predetermined portion of the extension portion 38 so that it can be.

3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the second connector illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the second connector C2 forms an electrode connection part 44, has a central bent portion 46a at the center, and has four spot welding points S in the form of slit spaced apart from each other. A second plate extending from one end of the first plate 41 and one end of the first plate 41, and having a terminal connection part 42 provided at an end thereof, and a side bent part 46b formed near the first plate 41; 43). Here, it is preferable that the first plate 41 and the second plate 43 are integrally formed, and the second plate 43 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first plate 41 extends substantially at an angle of about 135 degrees. .

In the second connector C2, the insulating coating member 60 is formed between the spot welding points S including the central curved portion 46a and at the side curved portion 46b. Therefore, the central bent portion 46a of the second connector C2 is formed substantially at the center of the length direction of the first plate 41, and the insulating coating member 60 is formed of four spots formed on the first plate 41. It is provided at three sites to completely insulate the welding points (S) from each other. On the other hand, the insulating coating member 60 is applied over the entire area of the second plate 43 including the side bent portion 46b. However, as described above, the insulating coating member 60 is not applied to the terminal connection part 42 of the second connector C2. In addition, the central curved portion 46a of the second connector C2 may be overlapped with each other by bending the first plate 41 at an angle of about 180 degrees to form the core pack 10, and the side curved portion 46b may also overlap. Can be bent at a 90 degree angle. Accordingly, since the insulating coating member 60 is applied between the spot welding spots S and the entire area of the second plate 43, the insulating coating member 60 is formed by the central bending portion 46a and the side bending portion. In the bending operation of 46b, the electrodes and the second plate 43 formed in the adjacent banks B2 and B3 may insulate the case of the unit cell.

4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the second connector of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the third connector C3 forms an electrode connection portion 54, has a center bend 56a at the center, and has a third plate (S) having four spot welding points S spaced apart from each other. 51, and a terminal extending from the vicinity of the central bend 56a of the third plate 51, the terminal connection portion 52 is provided at the end thereof, and the second side bend 56b is formed near the third plate 51. Four plates 53 are provided. Here, it is preferable that the third plate 51 and the fourth plate 53 are integrally formed, and the fourth plate 53 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the third plate 51 extends substantially at an angle of about 45 degrees. .

In the third connector C3, the insulating coating member 60 is formed between the spot welding points S including the central bend 56a and the second side bend 56b. Accordingly, the central bent portion 56a of the third connector C3 is formed at substantially the center of the length direction of the third plate 51, and the insulating coating member 60 is formed at four spots formed in the third plate 51. It is provided at three sites to completely insulate the welding points (S) from each other. On the other hand, the insulating coating member 60 is applied over the entire area of the fourth plate 53 including the second side bent portion 56b. However, as described above, the insulating coating member 60 is not applied to the terminal connection portion 52 of the third connector C3. In addition, the center bend 56a of the third connector C3 may be overlapped with each other by bending the third plate 51 at an angle of about 180 degrees to form the core pack 10, and the second side bend 56b. ) Can also be bent at an angle of 90 degrees. Therefore, since the insulating coating member 60 is applied between the spot welding spots S and the entire area of the fourth plate 53, the insulating coating member 60 is formed by the center bend 56a and the second bend. When the side bend portion 56b is bent, the electrodes and the fourth plate 53 formed in the adjacent banks B1 and B2 may insulate between the case of the unit cell.

Meanwhile, the terminal connection part 42 of the second connector C2 is connected to the high voltage terminal 24 of the protection circuit module 20, and the terminal connection part 52 of the third connector C3 is the protection circuit module 20. Is connected to the low voltage terminal 25.

Hereinafter, a process of configuring a battery pack (soft pack) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Primary welding process

5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an assembly process of a battery pack (soft pack) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a combined perspective view of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the structure of FIG. 6. It is a block diagram.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, a first bank B1 having positive electrodes of a pair of unit cells facing the top of FIG. 5, and a second bank B2 having negative electrodes of a pair of unit cells facing the top of FIG. 5. ) And the third banks B3 facing the upper portions of the pair of unit cells are arranged in the lateral direction side by side, respectively, provided in the first plate 41 of the second connector C2. The second connector C2 may be connected so that the spot welding spots S of the electrode connecting portions 34, 44, and 54 may contact the cathodes of the second bank B2 and the anodes of the third bank B3, respectively. Spot welding points S of the electrode connecting portion 54 disposed on the upper end of the second bank B2 and the third bank B3, and provided on the third plate 51 of the third connector C3, are respectively formed. The third connector C3 is positioned at the lower end of the first bank B1 and the second bank B2 so as to be in contact with the cathodes of the bank B1 and the anodes of the second bank B2.

Subsequently, spot welding is performed at eight spot welding points S using a spot welder not shown. More specifically, the four spot welding points S of the second connector C2 are welded between two cathodes of the second bank B2 and two anodes of the third bank B3, and Four spot welding points S of the second connector C2 are welded between two cathodes of the first bank B1 and two anodes of the second bank B2. Here, those skilled in the art will understand that the welding order of the second connector C2 and the third connector C3 is not important and may be changed according to the type of jig used and the operator's preference.

1st bending process

6 and 7, when the primary welding is completed as described above, the second connector C2 and the third connector C3 are respectively connected to the first plate 41 on the top of the core pack 10. The third plate 51 is welded, and in this state, the second plate 43 and the fourth plate 53 protrude in the direction toward the surface of FIG. 6.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the anodes of the first bank B1 and the cathodes of the second bank B2 are separated, and the cathodes of the first bank B1 and the anodes of the second bank B2 are separated. Bending the central bend 56a formed on the third plate 51 of the third connector C3 by about 180 degrees so that they face each other, and at the same time, the cathodes of the second bank B2 and the third bank B3 are bent. ) Center curvature 46a formed in the first plate 41 of the second connector C2 so that the anodes of the second connector B2 can face each other and the cathodes of the second bank B2 and the cathodes of the third bank B3 are separated from each other. Bend about 180 degrees.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a second connector and a third connector are welded and primary bent to a core pack including three banks according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, the first bank B1, the second bank B2, and the third bank B3 are arranged in the lengthwise side by side in order so that two unit cells adjacent in the lateral direction may be formed. The core pack 10 connected to each other in parallel and connected in series with three unit cells in a longitudinal direction is completed. Here, the second connector C2 protrudes from an overlapping portion of the second bank B2 and the third bank B3, and the third connector C3 is formed of the first bank B1 and the second bank B2. It protrudes from an overlap part.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the second connector and the third connector shown in FIG. 9 are secondly bent based on the side bends and the second side bends, and FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the state of FIG. 10.

In the state of FIG. 9, the second plate 43 and the fourth plate 53 are directed toward the second bank B2, that is, the core pack 10 based on the side curved portions 46b and the second side curved portions 56b, respectively. When each bent at an angle of about 90 degrees to the center of the longitudinal direction of the (), the second plate 43 and the fourth plate 53 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the core pack 10, the second plate 43 The terminal connection portion 42 formed and the terminal connection portion 52 formed on the fourth plate 53 are substantially gathered to the center portion of the second bank B2 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

Secondary welding process

12 is a perspective view illustrating a process of welding electrode connections of a pair of first connectors to electrodes of both side banks of the core pack of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 12, electrode connectors of the first connector C1 are disposed around electrodes at both ends of the core pack 10, that is, around the anodes of the first bank B1 and the cathodes of the third bank B3, respectively. And the spots 34, 44, and 54 are spot welded to the anodes of the first bank B1 and the cathodes of the third bank B3, respectively.

2nd bending process

FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a process of bending a terminal connection part based on a bend in a state in which a pair of first connectors are welded to both ends of the core pack of FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 schematically illustrates the structure of FIG. 13. It is a block diagram explaining.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the bent portion 36 is bent at an angle of 90 degrees such that each of the extension portions 38 of the first connector C1 faces the second bank B2. Then, the extensions 38 are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the core pack 10 and the second plate 43 of the second connector C2 and the fourth plate 53 of the third connector C3, respectively, The pair of terminal connection portions 32 of the first connector C1 are arranged in parallel with the terminal connection portion 42 of the second connector C2 and the terminal connection portion 52 of the third connector C3, respectively.

3rd welding process

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a process of welding the core pack of FIG. 13 to a protection circuit module. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 15, four terminal connections 32, 42, and 52 of the core pack 10 shown in FIG. 10 are respectively used by the side spot welder not shown. Spot welding the terminals 23, 24, 25 completes the soft pack. This second spot welding process can prevent a phenomenon such as 'solder eye' that may occur when soldering according to the prior art. In addition, since the spot welding portion is integrated in the central portion of the protective circuit module 20, the welding efficiency can be increased, and the pack assembly can be standardized and standardized.

In the above, although the present invention has been described by means of limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto and is described below by the person skilled in the art and the technical spirit of the present invention. Various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

B1, B2, B3 ... bank C1... 1st connector
C2... Second connector C3... 3rd connector
20... Protective circuit modules 23, 24, 25. Terminals
32,42,42... Terminal connections 34, 44, 54... Electrode connection
36... Bent portion 38... Extension
41... First plate 43... Second plate
46a... Central bend 51. Third plate
53 ... Fourth plate 56a... Central bend

Claims (28)

A core pack electrically connected in parallel between two or more unit cells, and electrically connected in series between two or more unit cells, and a battery pack connector for electrically connecting the unit cells and a protection circuit module. :
A main body having an electrode connection part connected to the electrodes of each unit cell, a terminal connection part connected to the terminals of the protection circuit module, and at least one bent part; And
Battery pack connector, characterized in that provided with an insulating coating member coated on the main body except for the electrode connection and the terminal connection. The method of claim 1,
The main body is a connector for a battery pack, characterized in that consisting of nickel. The method of claim 1,
The insulation coating member is a connector for a battery pack, characterized in that it comprises a polyimide (PI) coating layer. The method of claim 1,
And the electrode connection parts and the terminal connection parts are spot welded to the electrodes and the terminals, respectively. The method of claim 4, wherein
The electrode connector is a battery pack connector, characterized in that it comprises a spot welding slits. The method of claim 1,
The unit cell is a battery pack connector, characterized in that the cylindrical battery. The method of claim 1,
The bent portion includes a battery pack connector, characterized in that it comprises a pair of grooves formed in the width direction on both sides of the main body. The method of claim 1,
The connector is:
A pair of first connectors that may be connected between both end electrodes of the core pack and the terminals of the protection circuit module, and a second that may be connected between the overlapping connection electrodes of the unit cells and the terminal of the protection circuit module. The battery pack connector, characterized in that any one of a group consisting of a connector and a third connector. The method of claim 8,
Each of the first connectors is:
An extension extending from one end bank of the core pack to a center in the longitudinal direction thereof;
The electrode connection part is formed at one end of the extension part and the terminal connection part is formed at the other end;
The bent part is a battery pack connector, characterized in that formed in the vicinity of the electrode connection. 10. The method of claim 9,
The insulating coating member is a battery pack connector, characterized in that formed only in the extension. The method of claim 8,
The second connector is:
A first plate having a central bent portion at a center thereof and having a plurality of spot welding points spaced apart from each other to form the electrode connection portion; And
And a second plate extending from one end of the first plate, the terminal connection part being provided at an end thereof, and a second plate having side bends formed near the first plate. The method of claim 11,
The insulating coating member is a battery pack connector, characterized in that formed between the spot welding, and the side bent portion. The method of claim 8,
The third connector is:
A third plate having a central bent portion at a center thereof and having a plurality of spot welding points spaced apart from each other to form the electrode connection portion; And
And a fourth plate extending from the third plate near the central bent portion, the terminal connecting portion being provided at an end thereof, and a fourth plate having a second side bent portion near the third plate. The method of claim 13,
The insulating coating member is a battery pack connector, characterized in that formed between the spot welding, and the second side bent portion. A core pack electrically connected in parallel between two or more unit cells, and electrically connected in series between two or more unit cells;
A main body having an electrode connecting portion that can be connected to the electrodes of each unit cell to electrically connect the unit cells and the protection circuit module, a terminal connection portion that can be connected to the terminals of the protection circuit module, and at least one bent portion And a connector including an insulation coating member coated on the main body except for the electrode connection part and the terminal connection part. 16. The method of claim 15,
The main body is a battery pack, characterized in that consisting of nickel. 16. The method of claim 15,
The insulating coating member is a battery pack, characterized in that it comprises a polyimide (PI) coating layer. 16. The method of claim 15,
And the electrode connection parts and the terminal connection parts are spot welded to the electrodes and the terminals, respectively. The method of claim 18,
The electrode connection portion is a battery pack, characterized in that provided with spot welding slits. 16. The method of claim 15,
The unit cell is a battery pack, characterized in that the cylindrical battery. 16. The method of claim 15,
The bent portion battery pack, characterized in that it comprises a pair of grooves formed in the width direction on both sides of the main body. 16. The method of claim 15,
The main body is:
A pair of end plates that may be connected to both end electrodes of the core pack; And
And a plurality of overlapping plates which may be connected to overlapping portions of the unit battery cells. The method of claim 22,
Each said end plate is:
An extension portion extending from one end of the core pack to a center in the longitudinal direction thereof;
The electrode connection part is formed at one end of the extension part and the terminal connection part is formed at the other end;
The curved part is a battery pack, characterized in that formed in the vicinity of the electrode connection. The method of claim 23, wherein
The insulating coating member is a battery pack, characterized in that formed only in the extension. The method of claim 22,
Either of the overlap plate is:
An overlapping portion formed at the center of the central bending portion; And
And a first protrusion connected to one end of the overlapping part, the terminal connecting part being formed at the other end and having a protruding bent part formed near the overlapping part. The method of claim 25,
The insulating coating member is a battery pack, characterized in that formed between the spot welding point of each of the protrusion, the center bent portion, and the electrode connecting portion. The method of claim 22,
The other overlapping plate is:
An overlapping portion formed at the center of the central bending portion; And
And a second protrusion having a second protrusion having a second protrusion, which is connected to the center of the fold and is formed at the other end of the terminal connection portion and approaches the overlapping portion. The method of claim 27,
The insulating coating member is a battery pack, characterized in that formed between the spot welding spot of each of the second protrusion, the second protrusion bent, and the electrode connecting portion.

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